Transgender Hondurans Seek Asylum in U.S. After Facing Violence and Discrimination

Michelle Carranza, 22, Gretta Mazariegos, 29, and Isaac Mazariegos, 20, fled Honduras to escape persecution and violence due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. They say they were harassed by street gangs, attacked with machetes, and even raped. Carranza contracted HIV as a result of the violence she experienced.

A Journey Full of Peril

The three friends embarked on a dangerous journey to the United States, facing further dangers along the way. Carranza was raped in a Tijuana hotel by a man who had befriended her. Despite these challenges, they made it to the U.S.-Mexico border and entered the country legally in June 2024.

Seeking Asylum

Carranza and her friends are now in Trenton, New Jersey, awaiting their first court date. They hope to request asylum based on the persecution they faced in Honduras. However, they do not have an attorney and are facing challenges in collecting evidence to support their case, as they were often dismissed by the police or unable to obtain documentation.

Legal Barriers and Evidence

Under U.S. law, persecution due to sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status is grounds for asylum. However, asylum-seekers often face barriers in collecting evidence to prove their claims. Common types of evidence include police and medical reports, letters from partners or witnesses, membership in LGBTQ organizations, and psychological evaluations.

Carranza and her friends have limited official documentation, but they have saved conversations, images, and videos on their phones that they believe may support their case. They will need to explain their lack of police reports and present affidavits from witnesses to corroborate their experiences.

Hope for the Future

Despite the legal challenges they face, Carranza and her friends are hopeful for the future. They are grateful for the safety they have found in the United States and are determined to build new lives for themselves. Carranza dreams of being a nurse, Gretta wants to continue her studies and work in the U.S., and Isaac is eager to be himself without fear of discrimination.

Conclusion

Carranza and her friends’ story highlights the challenges faced by LGBTQ asylum-seekers, particularly those from countries where they are often persecuted and marginalized. They demonstrate the resilience and determination of those seeking refuge and the importance of providing legal support and protection to vulnerable individuals.